The Honest, The Ethical, The Weaker Ones

In a world that overall encourages strength, speed, and luxurious possessions, there’s an under-appreciated virtue of supporting the underdog. The smaller brand making the more ethical product, the person in the social setting fighting to fit in, and the old and used car that just needs a little more love to keep going. The “less obvious” options can affect shaping not how we view the world, but shift direction for the world itself.

The smaller brand making the more ethical product, the person in the social setting fighting to hold their own, and the old and used car that just needs a little more love to keep going

This is a conviction that has followed me through life. I have taken an instinctive interest in standing with the weaker ones whether it’s the metaphorical “Indians” against the tides of modern consumerism or those at the margins, fighting to be seen or understood. In this practice, I have found depth in connection and meaning far over what surface interactions or material gains can bring.

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The Power to Support the Weaker Ones

Supporting the weaker ones is not a form of altruism but a resistance act against a world that values so often the polished, the powerful, and the perfect no matter the cost. When we take the time to nurture something, or someone, that perhaps the rest of the world would overlook, we are not just aiding in their survival but contributing in their character development.

But there’s something so much more fulfilling in knowing, supporting the little ones, honest businesses that do it the right thing

Think about how we interact with businesses, for instance. The default choice might be to purchase from a well-known, high-dollar brand promising overnight success. But there’s something so much more fulfilling in knowing, supporting the little ones, honest businesses that do the right thing; their product isn’t as perfect, but it’s created with a pure heart.

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This is a conscious decision to step off the beaten path and lend support where it can make a difference.

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What It Offers to Others

That would also extend to relationships. Oftentimes, in social situations, the loudest voice or the most confident one will hold a conversation. But what about a person that is willing to join in, who fights to catch up with the topic? With being patient, creating space for that person, we allow an avenue for connection that’s more personal, more human. In these small but meaningful moments, we allow others to feel empowered.

With being patient, creating space for that person, we allow an avenue for connection that’s more personal, more human

To whoever we help with this conviction, be it a person, a small business, or that old car that we brought back into life, it brings validation and acknowledgement. You are declaring, “I See You” believing that there’s value to be kept, and a lesson to be learned.

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What It Means for You

Ona personal level, this trend promotes character growth. When we choose to stand in support of the outsiders, we develop patience, compassion, and the virtue to see the real worth whereas others see flaws. Detailing a used car, for example, might not give an instant thrill of driving off in a brand-new model, but there is something rewarding in knowing our care and attention transformed something undervalued into something appreciated.

When we choose to stand in support of the outsiders, we develop patience, compassion, and the virtue to see the real worth whereas others see flaws

Supporting the weaker ones is a quiet kind of rebellion in the culture that all over the world celebrates a winner while ignoring all else. It pushes back against the idea that bigger, faster, or richer is what we should be striving for. In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected and self-centered, this practice brings humankind back to its roots.

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Conclusion

This is a reminder enough that true value doesn’t come in at first glance; it’s in efforts put in, in care and connection for things, and people we choose to stand up for.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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